I never thought that I could write, even though my head is always full of ideas. Then, about three years ago, a friend gave me a really old PC and I just started writing.

I am the kind of person who finds life amusing - even in difficult and painful times. I have a typically British sense of ironic humour, which helps me to see life as an adventure, no matter what.

I'm currently writing my first novel, set in New York - because I have been in love with the city from afar for most of my life, although I've never been. The truth is, I wanted to buy a guidebook about the city but was worried that the people in the bookshop would demand to know why I was buying one, when I couldn't afford to actually travel there!

I am a hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist (a bad combination sometimes) and I possess the world's saddest DVD collection of 'chick flicks'. I truly believe that 'You've Got Mail' is a great film (even though my friends and long-suffering boyfriend don't agree!)

I work as a copywriter for a political party and, trust me, after you've spent all day eulogising about County Council planning meetings you need some slushy romantic escapism!

I also write, record and perform my own songs and I'm in the middle of recording my first solo project album (which I'm funding myself). I reached the semi-finals of this year's UK Songwriting Competition - not exactly the Grammy's, but I'm getting there...

My passion is ...

Words, music and laughter

I know too much about ...

The Muppets and Disney films

My parents always told me ...

To be myself, no matter what.

My childhood ambition ...

To be a fairy (I always thought it would be a cool job)

My favorite memory ...

Taking my boyfriend Bob to my favourite beach in Wales for the very first time. It was December and FREEZING cold, but watching the clouds race by, holding hands, wearing huge green anoraks and stripey hats, was simply magical.

Why I write ...

I write because I love exploring themes with words

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I am reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman, along with Persuasion by Jane Austen (a weird combination, I know!); watching The Vicar Of Dibley and Grey's Anatomy; and listening to The Fray, James Taylor and Christina Aguilera

My first job ...

Working in the music and video department of WH Smith

My best moment ...

When Bob and I finally held hands in the Electric Cinema in Birmingham, UK, after an hour of nervous attempts whilst watching "The History Boys"

My inspiration ...

Life and Bob. The joy of living inspires me daily. And Bob has made everything complete.

Creative Writing > Novel Excerpts Novel excerpts: Peace

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GAME OVER

I think, finally, we have reached the End.

It's been a long night. For hour after deathly dragging hour, you have thrown your accusations and I have hurled mine back in retaliation: each of us vying to grab the upper hand and neither of us succeeding. Now, silence hangs cumbersomely in the air between you and me.

"It's late," you say, rubbing your eyes slowly and staring hollowly at me.

You're tired. I can see it, etched in the deepening lines on your face and weighing heavy on your aching shoulders. I'm tired too; so tired I can hardly hold my eyelids open any longer....

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